PICTURES: Dance yourself dizzy for Samaritans

The ladies — mostly members of Dinnington fitness studio Inter Shape — did three hours of non-stop Zumba dancing in All Saints’ Square to raise funds for Samaritans’ Rotherham branch.

Amanda Turner (49), Zumba instructor and founder of Inter Shape, led the class from a stage erected in the square.

“It was great fun,” she said. “We had a lot of people watching and joining in.

“I’ve done a few Zumba performances in the last few years and this was one of the best.”

Samaritans spokesman Helen Mortimer said: “It was a fabulous day, just so much fun and the weather was so nice.

“We didn’t have any men, unfortunately. We didn’t exclude them — I just don’t think they’re into Zumba.”

She added: “All proceeds will go to Samaritans, sustaining their work helping people in distress or feeling suicidal, at any time of the day or night.”

The Samaritans celebrate 60 years of service this year, and volunteers — or Sams — have offered a listening service to distressed people since its foundation by vicar Chad Varah in 1953.

They can now be contacted by telephone, e-mail or text — visit www.samaritans.org for more information.

Anyone interested in volunteering with Rotherham Samaritans can telephone the recruitment line on 07982 301678, or drop in to the branch at 22 Percy Street.